BTI Continuing Education Workshops
Introduction to Hot Stone Massage:
Integrating an Ancient Healing Tradition into your Practice
with John McKelvey, MS, LMBT
June 23-24, 2012 | Saturday-Sunday, 9:30am-5:30pm
14 continuing education contact hours | $295 | practitioners only
Advanced Hot Stone Massage Techniques
with John McKelvey, MA, LMBT
August 4-5, 2012 | Saturday-Sunday, 9:30am-5:30pm
14 continuing education contact hours | $295 | practitioners only
Hot Stone Therapy is one of the most popular modalities in the massage and spa field today. The use of hot stones provides a very soothing and penetrating way of applying heat to the body. They can be placed directly on energy centers and key areas of holding during a massage, as well as used to deliver gliding strokes with the hands. Deeper and more specific work can also be accomplished easily with the stones.
Many traditions have relied upon the healing properties of hot stones -- from contemporary Native Americans to the ancient Chinese. From a modern scientific perspective, the effects of heat have been proven to release hypertonic muscles, trigger a parasympathetic (relaxation) response in the nervous system and restore fluidity to the connective tissues and joints. Hot stone massage is the only way to move heat on the body!
These two workshops will introduce you to the “magic” of the stones... simple tools that are profoundly healing when used with care and proper intention. You’ll learn how to integrate the stones into your existing practice with ease, providing effects and therapeutic benefits that you and your clients will love!
Introduction to Hot Stone Massage will focus on becoming familiar with handling hot stones and their application in Swedish or Classical massage.
Advanced Hot Stone Massage Techniques focuses on Myofascial and deep tissue applications. You’ll learn and experience the effectiveness of achieving the same kind of Myofascial hook with a stone that you can already get with your hands – except this time you’ll have a very mobile heat source to assist you in softening the tissue.
Both workshops emphasize the use of optimal body mechanics saving your thumbs and wrists from undue strain. Discover how the stones can add more creativity and life to your touch therapy practice!
NOTES: Participants will be required to have or purchase their own set of stones and heating device -- a list of suppliers will be sent with registration. Those registering for the Advanced workshop must have completed an introductory workshop with John or another teacher.
John McKelvey has a master’s degree in geology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from the University of the South (Tennessee). He is BTI graduate and faculty member, NC Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist (#1592), Nationally Certified, ABMP member, a graduate of The Spirit of Learning® Teacher Certification Program, and is certified in Kinesis Myofascial Integration. John has a private practice in Chapel Hill, NC.